80 likes | 250 Views
A Slave’s life in the 1800’s. What was the state of slavery in the early 1800’s?. The economy still depended on slave labor to flourish. By 1830, 1/3 of NC residents were slaves! Some counties had more slaves than free persons. How were slaves treated in the 1800’s?.
E N D
What was the state of slavery in the early 1800’s? • The economy still depended on slave labor to flourish. • By 1830, 1/3 of NC residents were slaves! • Some counties had more slaves than free persons
How were slaves treated in the 1800’s? • Slaves were treated poorly and had few legal rights. • Owners could whip, abuse, or kill slaves– and some did. • However, slave owners soon learned that treating the slaves slightly better would produce the best work.
Did slaves have any time for themselves? • Slaves were allowed minimal time for recreation after the day’s work had ended. • Many slaves enjoyed fishing, hunting, and growing food. • Over time, slaves earned privileges in return for good work. Some even earned enough money on the side to buy freedom.
How was slave life “after dark” ? • Slaves would travel by foot through the woods to meet with family members after dark. • Many married slaves belonged to different owners so they had to travel to see each other at night. • Slaves caught traveling without a pass from their Master would receive 39 lashes on their bare back.
Could families stay together? • Often times, slaves would watch family members be sold away to a different plantation. Many would never see that family member again. • When rumors spread of an upcoming sale, many families would hide in the woods to avoid being sold.
Were there any free Blacks? • Slowly, the number of free Blacks grew throughout NC and the rest of the country. • Free Blacks were often former slaves who had been freed by their masters or had bought freedom with money from side-jobs.